While staying at The Exeter Inn, take the opportunity to acquaint yourself with the rich surroundings of Exeter’s past and historic sites in New Hampshire.
American Independence Museum
1 Governor's Ln.
Exeter, NH 03833
603-772-2622
Open mid-May to the end of October, Wednesdays through Saturdays, 10am to 4pm. Guided tours offered on the hour, with the last tour begin at 3pm. Self guided tours available anytime during the day; last tour admission sold at 3pm.
The American Independence Museum campus includes the Ladd-Gilman House (1721), a National Landmark property that was home to a signer of the U.S. Constitution, a Governor’s mansion, and the NH State Treasury, as well as the Folsom Tavern (1775), a site for political discourse during the Revolution. Visitors will hear the extraordinary stories of the ordinary people who worked and fought for America’s freedom, as well as learn about the Society of the Cincinnati, the nation’s oldest veteran’s society. Collection includes founding documents, American furnishings, and military ephemera. Museum Gift Shop features books, gift items, educational toys, and decorative items. American Independence Festival is held the third Saturday in July and commemorates the arrival of the Declaration of Independence in Exeter in 1776.
For more information visit www.independencemuseum.org or call (603)772-2622.
Exeter Historical Society
Museum and Research Library
47 Front Street; PO Box 924
Exeter, NH 03833
Ph: 603-778-2335
Their collections illustrate Exeter’s rich and fascinating history, its residents, and ultimately its place in the larger history of both the state and the nation. The research library acts as a resource for genealogical research. Open Tuesdays and Thursdays 2-4:30; Saturdays 9:30-Noon
Children's Museum of Portsmouth
280 Marcy Street,
Portsmouth, NH 03801
603-436-3853
Great place for kids to explore, create, and experience the wonders of science.
John Paul Jones House
Middle and State Streets
Portsmouth, NH 03801
603-436-8420
Open to visitors June 1 to mid-october, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Admission.
John Paul Jones, the legendary sea warrior roomed at this house frequently. Houses 18th and 19th century artifacts.
Strawbery Banke Museum
Marcy St.
Portsmouth, NH 03801
603-433-1100
Open May 1 to October 31, Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; November 1 to April 30 Thursday though Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Closed January and during holidays. 90 minute Winter Walking Tours offered on the hour starting at 10 a.m., last tour leaves at 2 p.m. Admission. Museum set where colonists settled on the Piscataqua River. Buildings restored to different historical periods. A tour of the complex brings a visitor from 1690 to 1955.
Tuck Memorial Museum
40 Park Ave.
Hampton, NH 03842
603-929-0781
Open Wed., Fri., and Sun.; June to September. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Collection of early furniture, farm equipment, and pictures. Recreated 1850's school house and firefighting museum.
Woodman Institute Museum
182- 190 Central Ave.
Dover, NH 03801
603-742-1038
Open Wednesday through Sunday, 12:20 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays only December through January, closed February 1 through March 31. Admission
The museum is located mainly in the Dame Garisson house, which is a hand-hewn log cabin that was built with defense from natives in mind. Animal exhibits, Civil War exhibits, historical items from abolitionist times and New Hampshire senator John Hale.
